With no respite from winter temperatures of subzero forcing people to stay indoors, the Stettler Public Library lured some of the little ones from their homes and playschools to come out and join in a beach party on Friday afternoon, Jan. 15.
There were 20 kids in attendance who had a heyday playing with sand, building castles, dancing to the music of Beach Boys, decorating boats and engaging in other seaside craft.
"Why not have a beach party in the middle of winter," said Crystal Friars, assistant manager of the library. "Everyone wants to go out in the sun and longs to play with sand during this time of year, so we just offered them a more cost-effective solution."
As kids moved around within the space from one craft station to the other, engaging in various activities, they interacted with one another and got creative with sand, making different shapes resembling seaside artifacts with guidance from library staff.
"We want the kids to have fun and explore at the same time," added Friars. "They learn new skills like how to use glue – everyone must know this early in life – distinguishing their shapes and colours, playing with numbers and some tactile play such as with the sand."
According to Friars, everyone seemed to have a good time as the sand was a huge hit.
There were kids who started reading books, while some other played with toys provided in the space.
The library had a positive feedback from parents about the event, who felt that it was a great way to involve the little ones in doing something different on a cold, winter's day.